Physical Stress and Spinal Misalignment

Previously, I wrote that if we have a misalignment of the spine, it initially comes from a physical injury. A force tears loose the connective tissue (ligaments) that hold the bones in place. Of all the bones in the spine, the first one (the atlas) is the most vulnerable because it doesn’t have the bony locks that the others have, and it has to support a large amount of weight (the head). Because this misalignment can irritate the spinal cord, it can be devastating to our health. Using a light touch or gentle pressure, Upper Cervical Chiropractors are able to put the atlas bone into the proper position. This will strengthen many postural muscles, balance the hips and legs, and allow people to function and feel much better.

Once we have had a misalignment of the atlas, it is possible for the atlas to misalign again. In addition to another injury, physical stress is another reason that we can go out of alignment.

Physical stress can be things like improper lifting or sitting. Sleeping on our stomach can cause significant stress to the upper neck. Heavy backpacks stress the spines of our children and teenagers.

Having our head in an extended position for any length of time can stress the upper neck. This includes painting ceilings, getting our hair washed at a salon (the ridge of the bowl can push on the atlas), and getting our teeth worked on at the dentist (the vibration of the drill can also vibrate the atlas loose.) For painting, use ladders and extension poles. Wash your hair before going to the salon, or bend forward for the hair washing (at the minimum, use lots of towels under your neck and don’t extend a lot). Finally, talk to your dentist before major teeth work and set up signals so that you can take very short breaks (even as small as 4 seconds can reduce the stress).

Sleeping in awkward positions can cause our atlas to shift out of alignment. Don’t fall asleep on the couch or in a chair. The jerking of trying to stay awake in a seated position can also cause the atlas to misalign. Finally don’t sleep in a moving vehicle (especially if driving). The vibration of the vehicle can cause the atlas to go out of alignment since our muscles are so relaxed. Sudden movements can also be problematic. The worst is flying. There is not enough room to get comfortable, and the turbulence can knock the atlas out of position.

With everything, allow comfort to be your guide, make sure you are comfortable while sleeping, sitting and lifting. If not, change position or take a break. When the ligaments can’t do their job properly, the muscles will take over. We’ll notice tightness in our necks. If this occurs, take a break, lay down, nap if you can. If you are driving, park the car and put the chair back and rest for 5 minutes. This will allow our ligaments get the break that it needs, and allow us to hold our alignments. By listening to our bodies we can take better care of ourselves and allow the healing process to occur.

Once again, the initial misalignment is caused by an injury. Once we have had an injury we are vulnerable to going out of alignment again. By listening to our bodies and being smart, we can reduce the physical stress on ourselves. Finally, the longer we hold our alignment, the stronger our ligaments become and we will be able to do more, without having suffering from physical stress.

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About Dr. Michael Polsinelli, DC

I really enjoy my work. It is a combination of listening, analyzing, and the skill of performing my craft. I love the expression on my patients faces when I puzzle out a long standing problem of theirs, or when their pain leaves after gently adjusting them. Read more about me

Small Things Are Large

A tiny two ounce bone can have a critical impact on your health and well being. This is called the atlas bone, and it holds ten pounds of your head up. When it twists up it can contort your entire spine, causing pain, headaches and wear and tear on your joints.